In November 2016 Varndean School, along with Blatchington Mill, Dorothy Stringer, Hove Park and Steyning Grammar Schools, formed a Teaching School Alliance. In March 2018 the Alliance grew with the welcome addition of Cardinal Newman Catholic School.

Pavilion and Downs Teaching School Alliance was so-named to reflect the significant fact that the new Alliance crossed local authority borders, bringing together colleagues from Brighton and Hove and West Sussex.

Nationally, Teaching School Alliances lead on Initial Teacher Training, Continuing Professional Development and School to School Support to raise standards for all schools in their region. Pavilion and Downs' region is Brighton and Hove and West Sussex.